Which KIPRUN shoe is best for me?
There’s a new brand in the Running Warehouse family, and they’ve got something great for everyone. Introducing... KIPRUN! Whether you're familiar with the brand or feel like you’ve been hearing about it more and more, we’re here to give you all the information you need to get started.
KIPRUN has three main shoe lines: Kipride, Kipstorm, and Kipsummit. Kipride consists of standard daily trainers, which are excellent for newer runners and walkers. Kipstorm turns things up a notch, designed for high-performance racing and training. Kipsummit shoes are all about the trails, from daily training to racing.
In this article, we're going to dive into who KIPRUN is as a company and what each of their shoes is best for, hopefully answering any of your questions along the way.
What is KIPRUN anyway?
Before diving into their footwear lineup, let’s take a step back and look at where it all started. KIPRUN is a French company whose name traces back to the 2007 New York City Marathon. After hearing the crowds chanting “Keep Running!”, the name KIPRUN (pronounced “Keep-run”) was born in 2008. KIPRUN offers everything from daily trainers to elite-level racing shoes. Their shoes have conquered podiums from mountainous ultramarathons to setting the 5k European road record in 2025.
Their mission is simple: innovate for runners of all levels, providing premium technology without premium prices. These shoes are constructed with high-quality materials and high standards, bringing incredible performance and durability for roughly $20-$30 less than many of their competitors.
KIPRUN works to provide a line of shoes that can push elite athletes past their limits, while also bringing more accommodating options to newer runners. As you progress and seek more advanced footwear, KIPRUN has you covered. Enough backstory, let's talk shoes!
Kipride Line: Daily Training
If you're looking for a place to start, this is it. The Kipride line is where you'll find your standard and max cushion daily trainers for the road. These two shoes aim to work just as well as the competitors, and ideally do so for a few dollars less.
Kipride: Do-it-All Workhorse for the Masses
The standard Kipride is the flagship daily trainer from KIPRUN, made to do a little bit of everything. Whether you're just starting to log miles or you're training for your next big race, this is an easy choice for pretty much anyone. The Kipride has enough cushion to support easy days, but enough energy to pick up the pace when you're feeling speedy.
This is the daily workhorse, or your one shoe to do-it-all if that's what you're looking for. It's got reliable durability, a fun feel, and it keeps things simple at a great price.
Most Similar To: HOKA Mach 7
Kipride Max: Premium Cushion
For runners seeking a bit more cushion, this one is for you. If you’re ready to take the plush-factor up a notch, the Kipride Max has a smooth, soft ride for max-comfort training days, long runs, and recovery runs.
Great for running, walking, and all-day comfort, the Kipride Max gives you all the support you're looking for at an excellent value. On paper, this shoe compares very closely to its competitors in terms of weight and stack height, but that price is hard to beat. It's time to pamper yourself, you earned it!
Most Similar To: PUMA Magmax 2
Kipstorm Line: Performance-Oriented
There’s a storm a-brewing, and it’s coming fast! The Kipstorm line is KIPRUN's performance-oriented category, offering three unique shoes for workouts, fast long runs, and race days. Disclaimer: records have been set in these shoes.
Kipstorm Tempo: Non-Plated Performance Trainer
If you've had your fun in the Kipride line, but want to move a little faster, this is the next step. The Kipstorm Tempo is a perfect encapsulation of what KIPRUN is all about: high performance, excellent value, and a whole lot of fun. This shoe fits best into the long run performance trainer category.
It has a no-plate, all-fun design with all the speedy bounce you can ask for on faster days. Perfect for workouts or even race day, the Kipstorm Tempo takes workouts to the next level and leaves your legs feeling fresh.
Most Similar To: ASICS Superblast 2
Kipstorm Elite: Carbon-Plated Super Racing Shoe
Alright, it's race day. You've put in your training miles, pushed yourself hard, and now it's time to watch it pay off. When it's time to race anything up to the marathon distance, the Kipstorm Elite rises to the occasion.
Packed with superfoam and a carbon plate for peak performance, this shoe is ready to race. With this shoe, you're getting a lightweight package, slightly firmer foam, and a snappy plate. It's got enough cushion to support your full 26.2-mile journey, but enough responsive tech to redefine your PRs.
Kipstorm Lab: Pinnacle Race-Day Performance
Maybe this isn't your first rodeo. Maybe you're ready to take your speed to the highest level. Designed to race the half-marathon and below, the Kipstorm Lab is KIPRUN’s pinnacle shoe. Worn by Jimmy Gressier to set the European 5k record, this super racer is fine-tuned for elite-level performance.
This shoe weighs under 6 ounces, which makes it one of the lightest shoes out there. With a specially-designed carbon plate and incredibly responsive foam, this is peak performance. If you're ready to go all out, chase records, and have a blast in the process, the Kipstorm Lab is right for you.
Kipsummit Line: Everything Offroad
Let's get outside! Kipsummit shoes are built for the trails, and they love exploring. With three options ranging from daily training to pinnacle racing, Kipsummit shoes are built for adventure.
Kipsummit: Versatile Trail Trainer
The KIPRUN Kipsummit is a workhorse daily trail shoe that can handle a bit of everything in the great outdoors. With a balanced layer of cushion underfoot, this beginner-friendly trainer is suitable for runners of all backgrounds.
If you're dipping your toes into the Kiprun trail world, this is their flagship starter. You'll have plenty of grippy traction to last for plenty of excursions. For runs, hikes, or all-day exploring, the Kipsummit is a friendly place to start.
Most Similar To: HOKA Challenger 7
Kipsummit Max: Premium Comfort for All-Day Excursions
The Kipsumit Max is built for premium comfort and long treks. This shoe has quite a resume, having won 100+ mile ultramarathons in the European countryside. Whether you're an elite ultramarathoner or just someone who likes a little extra cushion underfoot, this is a great option.
Vibram Megagrip is one of the tackiest, most beloved outsole materials on the market, and the Kipsummit Max has plenty underfoot. Our team is very excited about the amount of quality cushion KIPRUN has packed into this shoe, and we're stoked to add it to our max-cushion trail lineup.
Kipsummit Race: Carbon-Plated Performance for the Trails
Hence the name, this one is tuned for race day. The Kipsummit Race is built up with a healthy dose of cushion and a carbon fiber plate to add some extra propulsion. Every trail race calls for something different, depending on terrain and level of technical footwork, and this finds a nice sweet spot.
For longer races that call for soft support in a highly lightweight package, this is a strong competitor. With a durable, grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole, you'll be checking off mile after mile in style.
Most Similar To: HOKA Tecton X 3
How We Made Our Picks
Our team tests a wide variety of shoes every season, running at different paces, on various terrains, and in all kinds of conditions. With a mix of runners—from casual to competitive—we make sure each shoe is worn by someone it’s designed for, cross-checking information from brand sales representatives with our own experiences in the shoes.
As new models are released and more miles get logged, we continuously refine our selections to highlight the best options throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KIPRUN?
KIPRUN is a French athletic brand, focused on bringing peak-performing running gear to the masses. Their company prioritizes high-quality products without overly high prices. With excellent value and a variety of shoes to choose from, KIPRUN has something for everyone.
Are KIPRUN shoes cheap?
Cheap prices? Yes. Cheap quality? No. The prices of many KIPRUN shoes are remarkably less-expensive than some of their competitors, but we can assure you the product quality is very high. The Kipride Max, Kipsummit, Kipsummit Max, and Kipstorm Tempo are four standouts for highly reasonable prices with excellent performance. Compared to other shoes in their category, these shoes vary from $10-$30 less than their popular competition.
Are KIPRUN shoes good for walking?
Kiprun shoes are tuned for running, but can absolutely serve as comfortable walking shoes. Both Kipride shoes offer excellent comfort, with the Kipride Max bringing the most cushion to the table. The Kipsummit and Kipsummit Max are hike-friendly shoes for the trail.
What KIPRUN shoes are best for beginners?
If you're just getting started, the Kipride is a perfect place to start. It has enough cushioning for daily miles, but is energetic enough to pick up the pace when you're ready. If you prefer a more plush, highly-cushioned experience, the Kipride Max is ready to go.
As you build your endurance and are ready to take things up a notch, the Kipstorm Tempo is an excellent speed shoe.
It's Simple: Keep Running!
With so many shoe brands out there, it can be easy to get lost in a sea of prices, technologies, and options. KIPRUN is here to keep things simple, reliable, and value-focused. Founded by runners, for runners, they spend time testing their own products to ensure they make shoes they enjoy and believe in.